When to Visit the Doctor
It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t always mean cancer. Sometimes, they are the result of something else entirely, such as an infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, you should always make an appointment to see your doctor if you have any of these problems. Early detection through proper colorectal screenings can make colon cancer easier to treat.
In hopes of preventing colon cancer, or catching colon cancer at an early stage, the American Cancer Society recommends regular colon screening for most average-risk people starting at age 45. If you have a family history of the disease or have other risk factors that could increase your chances of getting colon cancer, however, your doctor may recommend screening at a younger age.
Several different tests can be used to screen for colon cancer. RMCC recommends that you talk with your primary care physician to find out when you should be screened and which colorectal screening test(s) would benefit you the most.
